NFL Free Agency 2016: Latest Rumors and Updated Predictions

Rarely does NFL free agency have the ability to compete blow-for-blow with the hype of the upcoming NFL draft.

The 2016 projected market certainly does.

Last year, a market headlined by Ndamukong Suh didn't stand a chance against a quarterback duel between Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston. This year, though, major names such as Mario Williams, Doug Martin, Matt Forte, Lamar Miller and many more headline an impending period that could have massive implications for the hierarchy of the league.

As if the above wasn't clear enough, it's critical for observers to pay close attention this year, with so many notables on the market who are ready to change the league's complexion.

Here is the latest, along with updated predictions.

Russell Okung Heading to Market?

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The Seattle Seahawks have a big problem on their hands if left tackle Russell Okung decides to test the market.

Russell Wilson took 45 sacks last year, so the last thing the Seahawks can afford is losing arguably one of the roster's best players. For his part, though, Okung seems to understand the situation and wants to leverage it to his advantage.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport revealed that the Oklahoma State product will test the market:

As he should. Okung is 28 years old, and this might be his last chance at a top-tier contract. He certainly deserves one after starting 13 games on the left side of the line last season and finishing as the No. 26 tackle in the league according to Pro Football Focus.

Plenty of teams will have an interest in Okung if the price is right, though said price will fluctuate based on a team's need at the position.

Considering Okung will represent himself in free agency, it's plausible that he'll pick the best possible career destination and respectable cash. An unexpected name in a situation like this?

The Carolina Panthers.

Protecting Cam Newton is the top priority in Carolina, and wishing a good season out of Michael Oher (59th on the same PFF list) doesn't make sense. The Panthers have the cash and opportunity that Okung will covet.

Prediction: Okung signs with the Panthers

A New Suitor for Brock Osweiler

Like it or not, Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler is one of the most important names on the market.

With Peyton Manning announcing his retirement, according to Ben Swanson of Denver's official site, the Broncos cannot afford to lose the guy who learned behind him for years and played well enough in relief last season.

It makes sense, but Denver isn't having the easiest time keeping Osweiler around, and the task will become even more difficult as suitors continue to emerge.

According to Mike Klis of 9News.com, the Houston Texans are the newest team expected to enter the fray:

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The Broncos are trying to show they still love Osweiler by offering him a three-year contract that with incentives is worth more than $45 million. The guarantee of the deal, though, is always the most significant. The one team that may pose the most serious threat for Osweiler's services is the Houston Texans.

Houston is expected to contact Jimmy Sexton, Osweiler's agent, during the tampering period that begins at 11 a.m. Monday. Free agency officially opens at 2 p.m. Wednesday. 

"

It's not hard to see why the Texans would have an interest. Osweiler is only 25 years old, and last year over the course of eight appearances he completed 61.8 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns to six interceptions.

Houston, on the other hand, suffered with Brian Hoyer after once again ignoring the position. Perhaps coach Bill O'Brien and his staff see something they like, though, as Osweiler would figure to fit pretty well on an offense where he can simply spam the ball to DeAndre Hopkins.

Still, Osweiler's trip to free agency seems like housekeeping to squeeze the best possible deal out of the Broncos. He's already inheriting a team that just won the Super Bowl and one primed for another serious run or two. Look for him to string this out.

As real as Houston's interest might be, which makes perfect sense given the state of the position league-wide over the past few years, Osweiler would be foolish to leave Denver, barring a blatant low-ball offer from the front office.

Prediction: Osweiler re-signs with the Broncos

Big Name Recruiting Matt Forte

The Chicago Bears thought it best not to bring back a veteran, 30-year-old running back, legendary status or not. 

It makes sense how the Bears have handled the Forte situation, especially after Jeremy Langford put on a show last year to make the decision easier.

Sitting on the dreaded age of 30 or not, plenty of teams want a shot at Forte, who still rushed for 898 yards and four scores last year while missing three games and getting shoved into a committee approach.

The rival Green Bay Packers seem like the first team in line, based on a note by ESPN.com's Rob Demovsky. "Word is that another ex-Bear-turned-Packer Julius Peppers has been trying to recruit Forte to Green Bay. It sounds like Forte wants to go to a contender, so perhaps the Packers could get him at an affordable price."

Running back remains one of the sorest points in Green Bay after Eddie Lacy and James Starks combined for another mediocre showing. The Packers, though, know firsthand what Forte can do, and slapping him into a rotation where Lacy only handles power work seems like a massive upgrade.

Forte will have plenty of options on the market, with so many teams having let loose running backs. He could go to Dallas and start. Maybe he wouldn't mind Miami's weather. New England certainly has a role for him in the backfield.

But familiarity is key. Sticking in the NFC North seems like a move Forte would make. Not only that, but joining a contender simply in need of getting healthy and acting as a key reason the team makes a serious push sticks out as the perfect opportunity as Forte's career winds down.

Prediction: Forte signs with the Packers

Stats courtesy of NFL.com and are accurate as of Monday. All advanced metrics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.